Singapore – About a quarter of the 423 at-risk people who underwent genetic testing in Singapore were found to have a genetic mutation that increases their risk of early-onset heart attack or stroke.
Three Genome Assessment Centers (GACs) are gradually starting to offer genetic testing services, with SingHealth GAC being the first. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung officially opened the center on January 19.
The opening of these centers comes as the Ministry of Health intensifies its efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare in Singapore.
before it becomes official Since its launch, from 21 July to 31 December 2025, more than 1,000 eligible individuals have been referred to SingHealth GAC at the National Heart Center of Singapore.
They were identified and referred for genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH is a genetic disease caused by mutations in genes that affect the body’s ability to process cholesterol.
If left untreated, FH can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. For example, men may suffer their first heart attack or stroke in their early 30s.
SingHealth GAC Director Associate Professor Tan Ee Shien said around 600 of these individuals made an appointment at GAC and 423 were ultimately tested, representing an uptake rate of around 70%.
About a quarter of people tested were confirmed to carry one of the three most common genetic mutations that cause FH. Based on the results obtained so far.
Mr Tong Kay Tiong received his confirmation test results on January 19th. He told The Straits Times that he had been managing high blood cholesterol levels for nearly 10 years, but the medication did not seem to improve his symptoms.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung (second from right) speaks with Tong Kay Tiong (from left), who tested positive for a genetic mutation, while Lim Ji-ying, chief genetic counselor at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and Tan Yi Hsien, director of SingHealth Genome Evaluation Center, look on.
ST Photo: Brian Teo
After suffering a stroke in May that affected his ability to exercise, blood tests revealed his cholesterol levels had tripled compared to a year ago.
Thng was then referred for genetic testing.
The 43-year-old engineer said he was “relieved” to get the test results, which mean he is at higher risk of early-onset heart attack or stroke.
“At least we now know what caused my cholesterol levels to rise over the years and ultimately lead to my stroke, despite eating a healthier diet. Now, with the advice of my doctor, I can focus on managing my cholesterol levels and make the necessary lifestyle changes,” he said.
Mr Thng was counseled by Mr Lim at the SingHealth Genomic Evaluation Center at the Singapore National Heart Centre.
ST Photo: Brian Teo
Mr Thng said that since FH is a genetic disease, he would also advise his younger brother to undergo a subsidized genetic test.
Singaporeans and permanent residents with abnormally high cholesterol levels are
You can receive government subsidies of up to 70 percent of the cost
When your doctor refers you to GAC for genetic testing.
Expect to pay between $117 and $575 for testing services and pre- and post-test genetic counseling.
Those eligible for cascade screening – family members of people found to be carriers of the mutated gene – can expect to pay between $53 and $253 after subsidies.
For those eligible for MediSave, costs are further reduced from $18 to $87 for initially identified patients and from $8 to $38 for at-risk relatives.